MONROE, N.Y. (May 13, 2024) – Nourish Your Mind, which provides mental health and mind-body nutrition services in the Hudson Valley, has announced the addition of two psychotherapists: Danielle Mejias, who brings experience working with law enforcement, and Jason C. Stefano, the organization’s first male psychotherapist. Both begin May 15.
“With Danielle and Jason, Nourish Your Mind again is expanding its services and expertise – all to assist our clients in overcoming the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues,” said Nourish Your Mind Director of Operations and psychotherapist Jeanette Rivera, LCSW-R, C-DBT. “At Nourish Your Mind, we understand that choosing a therapist is a personal decision. It is essential to find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. It can be helpful when there is a foundation of shared experiences and challenges. Danielle has developed a deep understanding of mental health issues that first responders face. Jason’s compassion and extensive experience can provide assurance for men, who are less likely to seek mental health services.”
Their experience and skills align with the goals that founder Jessica Sullivan, LSCW, set when she established Nourish Your Mind in 2015 to fill a need for those struggling with chronic physical and mental health issues. Mejias and Stefano serve populations in which mental health issues present unique challenges.
Among first responders, mental health issues are prevalent because of the danger and trauma faced on the job. About 30% of first responders suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other behavioral health issues, compared with 20% of the general population, according to research sited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Among men, mental health issues can be exacerbated by the stigma that depicts seeking help as a form of weakness. More than 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression each year, but the condition often is underdiagnosed, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
The new psychotherapists:
Danielle Mejias identified a need for support among first responders while working closely with law enforcement at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, and as a local police department dispatcher.Beginning her practice in that field, she has broadened her outreach to provide support to individuals of all ages who cope with mental health issues in different settings. She is committed to creating a secure and comfortable environment for her clients during therapy sessions and believes that therapy is a process that should not be rushed, as each individual has a unique timeline. Mejias takes a client-centered approach to therapy, valuing each client’s autonomy and self-determination. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, and master’s degrees in forensic psychology from Arizona State University and in social work from Fordham University. Mejias lives in the Hudson Valley with her family. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, working out and reading. She is eager to work with Nourish Your Mind Non-Profit to create adequate, accessible mental health for first responders.
Jason C. Stefano is proud to be Nourish Your Mind’s first male psychotherapist and to provide assistance to demographics statistically reluctant to seek services. Stefanoprioritizes a client-centered approach and empowers others to reach their full potential. He brings extensive experience in working with teens and adults with a broad range of developmental disabilities, neurodiversity and maladaptive behavioral patterns. His passion for helping others and serving his community blossomed at a young age when he witnessed his family care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy models, and a strengths-based perspective, with an emphasis on mindfulness and meditation. This approach helps clients build effective coping skills to challenge their troubling and negative thoughts and to help manage their anxiety, depression and trauma. Stefano earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University at Buffalo and a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University.
Stefano enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, including his dog Floyd and cat Simba. He is passionate about music, and loves attending concerts and playing guitar and drums. He encourages his clients to leverage music and other art forms as methods of expression.
Nourish Your Mind has four locations in Orange County, N.Y.: Monroe, Warwick, Middletown and Goshen. Call (845) 547-0479 for an appointment or visit NourishYourMind.com. Many major insurance providers are accepted; please inquire about details.
About Nourish Your Mind
Nourish Your Mind provides mental health and mind-body nutrition services in New York’s Hudson Valley. Its mission is to provide hope, help and healing to those in need through a unique, integrative approach to emotional and physical wellness. Nourish Your Mind was created by Jessica Sullivan, LSCW, to support those struggling with chronic physical and mental health issues. Nourish Your Mind offers counseling and psychotherapy; mind-body nutrition; dialectical behavior therapy; eating disorder treatment; group psychotherapy; and educational classes and workshops. Nourish Your Mind Non-Profit was established with the goal of making mental health services more accessible to those in need. Learn more at NourishYourMind.com.